Innovation Gets Okay For Nobilas Purchase

Newton, Mass.-based Innovation Group said yesterday that shareholders have approved the $1.25 million acquisition of the UK accident management firm Nobilas.

Innovation, which provides outsourcing services and software solutions to more than 300 insurers and other risk carriers, also announced the launch of Innovation Auto, a North American division providing a suite of fully integrated Auto Physical Damage solutions.

Innovation's purchase offer for Nobilas, based at Henley-On-Thames, was announced in October. Nobilas provides outsourcing services and accident management including first notice of loss call centers, repair management, loss assessment, working capital management, uninsured loss recovery, supplier network management and management information.

The company said Innovation Auto brings together the assets of SurePlan International and Nobilas, as well as the experiences of Innovation Group's MotorCare divisions in Germany, South Africa and the U.K.

Additionally, Innovation said the division would be able to leverage Innovation First Notice's ClaimCapture intake platform, as well as the resources across four service centers with round-the-clock availability.

Primary services offered include Innovation Group's Managed Repair Network (iMRN), with a suite of modular accident management services and fleet risk management.

Innovation said all services are built upon a pro-active, event-driven management model and provide cycle time management.

Innovation Auto's network includes 1,900 certified collision repair centers supported by a dedicated vendor relations group and backed by a team of I-CAR Gold Certified technicians. The staff includes licensed appraisers and adjusters.

“Auto physical damage supply chain management is becoming an increasing area of focus for carriers in terms of paid loss,” noted Greg Powers, chief marketing officer for Innovation Group in North America.